Trade? Knicks Reach Out To Celtics, Clippers About Carmelo Anthony

The New York Knicks are preparing to trade Carmelo Anthony. After being declined by the Cavs, reports have come out that the Knicks have reached out to the Celtics and the Clippers, two destinations that Melo would probably waive his no trade clause for due to their success this season. Via The Vertical:

Armed with a hope that Carmelo Anthony will eventually waive his no-trade clause, the New York Knicks have reached out to the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers to probe their interest in a trade, league sources told The Vertical.

Knicks president Phil Jackson is determined to find a destination and deal that Anthony would agree to accept before the Feb. 23 NBA trade deadline, league sources said.

Jackson is determined to rid the roster of Anthony and his contract, and start rebuilding around Kristaps Porzingis, league sources said.

The Celtics are rolling right now, sitting one spot behind the Raptors for the second spot in the East, thanks to Isaiah Thomas having an incredible MVP-caliber season. Despite injuries, the Clippers have secured themselves a 3-5 seeding the Western Conference as we head into the half-way mark of the season. Both of these teams need someone to put them over the edge and be taken very seriously either against the Warriors in the Clippers scenario or the Cavs in the Celtics scenario.

There are also reports that the Knicks are interested in the Clippers deal despite LA’s big three of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan not being included in the trade. Via NY Daily News:

The Knicks and Clippers are discussing a deal for Carmelo Anthony that does not include Chris Paul, Blake Griffin or DeAndre Jordan going to New York, the Daily News has learned.

The Knicks, according to a source, are open to trading Anthony to Los Angeles even if they don’t get one of the Clippers’ Big 3 in return.